Zach Collaros once walked in Mitchell Gale’s shoes, an unknown quarterback — at least by CFL standards — waiting for an opportunity, itching to go out on the field and leave nothing to chance.

When Collaros was given the call, he pounced on it, leaving an impression that would carry over into this season, one that has elevated Toronto’s second-year player to a status that may lead to full-time employment with another team when next year rolls around.

Collaros bided his time as Toronto’s fourth-string quarterback in his rookie season, dressing for the occasional game as incumbent Ricky Ray was inactive with a knee injury, playing lights-out football in the Argos’ season finale against Hamilton.

Gale gets his shot this Friday against Montreal under circumstances that are both different and similar.